2nd Officer Jobs

2nd Officer jobs are open across maritime shipping, cruise lines, and offshore energy operations, at every level from entry-level deck officer to senior watchstander, with specializations in navigation, cargo operations, and safety management. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.

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Overview

Open roles6
Top stateOhio
Top employerInmar
Top cityColumbus, OH
Top credentialHigh school diploma or GED
Companies hiring6

Showing 5 of 6+ 2nd Officer jobs

2nd Shift Lead Security Officer
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Added 1w ago
2nd Shift Lead Security Officer
Inmar
Grand Prairie, Texas
Business Operations
Program Management
Project Management
High school diploma or GED
1,001-5,000

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2nd Shift Lead Security Officer
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Added 1w ago
2nd Shift Lead Security Officer
Security Engineers, Inc
East Liberty, Ohio
Business Operations
Program Management
Project Management
$17.07 - $20.32/hr
High school diploma or GED

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2nd Shift Security Specialist (Armed Security Officer)
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Added 1w ago
2nd Shift Security Specialist (Armed Security Officer)
NetJets
Columbus, Ohio
Compliance & Risk
Cybersecurity
Security & Protective Services
High school diploma or GED
5,001-10,000

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Security Officer - Patrol Driver - 2nd Shift
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Added 2w ago
Security Officer - Patrol Driver - 2nd Shift
Allied Universal
Waterloo, Iowa
Inventory Control
Logistics & Inventory
Warehouse Operations
High school diploma or GED
10,000+

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AHC Hospitality Security Officer - 2nd Shift
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Added 1mo ago
AHC Hospitality Security Officer - 2nd Shift
Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Customer Success
Program Management
Project & Program Management
Project Management
$18 - $20/hr
High school diploma or GED
501-1,000

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2nd Officer Job Market

Who's Hiring

Inmar1 open role
NetJets1 open role
Securitas1 open role

What Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in 2nd officer jobs.

  • STCW Officer of the Watch or Management Level certificate of competency
  • Valid USCG Merchant Mariner Credential with appropriate deck endorsement
  • Minimum sea service hours on vessels of qualifying gross tonnage
  • GMDSS General Operator License or equivalent radio qualification
  • Experience with ECDIS, radar, and bridge navigation equipment
  • Current TWIC card and valid passport for international voyages

Tips for Your 2nd Officer Job Search

Tailor your resume to watchkeeping duties

List your STCW certifications, vessel types, and gross tonnage prominently. Hiring managers scan for specific endorsements like GMDSS and Advanced Firefighting before reading anything else, so front-load credentials above your work history.

Apply early to roles that fit

Migrate Mate lists 2nd officer openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.

Target postings by vessel type and trade route

Filter openings by tanker, container, or passenger vessel before applying. Your cargo experience on a bulk carrier won't translate directly to cruise ship roles, so align your applications to vessel types where your sea time is most relevant.

Prepare a voyage summary sheet for interviews

Compile a one-page log of your most demanding passages, including vessel GRT, trade areas, and any emergency situations you managed. Interviewers for 2nd officer roles frequently ask for specific examples of watch decision-making under pressure.

Negotiate relief schedule before accepting an offer

Rotation schedules vary widely between operators. Clarify the on-off cycle, paid leave policy, and whether travel to and from the vessel is covered before you sign, since these terms affect your effective annual compensation as much as your base pay.

Distinguish your safety officer duties on paper

Many 2nd officers double as the ship's safety officer. If that applies to you, list ISM Code responsibilities, lifeboat drills, and SOLAS compliance work explicitly. Employers hiring for safety-focused roles weight this experience heavily when screening applications.

2nd Officer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions

Which companies are hiring the most 2nd officers?

The companies hiring the most 2nd officers right now include Inmar, NetJets, and Securitas, with the largest share of openings in Ohio, Iowa, and Texas, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand tends to be strongest among tanker operators, cruise lines, and offshore support vessel companies.

How do you become a 2nd officer?

You become a 2nd officer by completing an accredited maritime academy or cadet training program, accumulating the required sea service hours as a junior deck officer, and passing the USCG licensing examination for the appropriate grade and endorsement. After receiving your Merchant Mariner Credential, you apply to vessel operators for 2nd officer or Officer of the Watch positions that match your vessel type and trade area experience.

Can you get hired as a 2nd officer with limited experience?

Some operators hire newly licensed officers directly into 2nd officer billets if sea service requirements are met and certifications are current, particularly on domestic vessels or inland waterways routes with lower minimum tonnage thresholds. Gaining experience as a third officer first strengthens your application, and smaller operators or tug-and-barge companies often offer an accessible path to your first 2nd officer posting.

What does the 2nd officer interview process look like?

Most 2nd officer interviews begin with a document review of your certificates, sea service record, and medical fitness. This is followed by technical questions on navigation, cargo operations, and emergency procedures, often including scenario-based questions about collision regulations or abandon-ship situations. Some operators conduct a brief practical assessment or simulator evaluation before extending a contract offer.

Where can I find and apply to 2nd officer jobs?

You can find and apply to 2nd officer jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Search for roles that match your vessel type, endorsement level, and preferred trade area, then apply directly to each listing that fits your background and availability.

See All 6 2nd Officer Jobs

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